17 comments
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Really lovely, Catherine. I have been following your blog for years for inspiration, and will be moving into our dream home in the new year. I was wondering - what are your go-to resources for interior decorating? Many thanks in advance x

I'm experimenting with alcohol to keep mine from growing too tall, per this:http://www.hort.cornell.edu/miller/bulb/Pickling_your_Paperwhites.pdfSo far, of my collection, those watered with alcohol are every bit as tall as those without. Have you tried this "pickling"?

I love paperwhites too Catherine. I have two pots in different stages of development. I enjoyed your post on buying kits or quality bulbs. I had no idea I could buy them from a florist. I must check out that avenue because this year I bought from Walmart although not in a kit form the quality is not consistent.

I have never commented before now, but I love your attention to detail, and I am enjoying watching your restoration of your home. In a day where it seems that "making do" and "good enough" is the norm, I so love that you are taking the time and making the investments necessary to restore you home correctly with an eye to the future and a foot in the past. Beautiful paperwhites!! Mine are growing but not blooming yet, and I will plant them (along with my amaryllis) in the flower bed after it warms up this spring. I have amaryllis from year's past that bloom in the late spring, so I will see what the paperwhites do as well. Merry Christmas!!

How wonderful to plant them in the garden! We used to give my Grandmother orchids at Easter and she used to plant them in her garden. She lived in California and it was stunning to see them blossom outside. Spectacular really. Merry Christmas to you as well!

I posted the link above about "pickling" with alcohol. Upon further research I believe this water/alcohol combination needs to begin as soon as the green stems begin to sprout. I started this too late--mine were already 6-8 inches tall.

Also adding that quality bulbs make all the difference. I have one from a kit from a local grocer that is not doing well. The bulbs I bought from my local nursery are much sturdier.

I think the bulbs do make a difference. My kit paperwhites flopped over (and only half of the bulbs grew). All of the paperwhite bulbs I purchased at the florist are tall and sturdy. So interesting! I will never purchase a kit again.